Staff writer

NATCHITOCHES — Ruston High School’s track and field teams rose to the occasion Wednesday. And kept rising.

The Bearcats were favored to defend their 2019 Region I-5A championship and did.

Ruston’s Lady Bearcats were expected to fight for the 2021 regional title – and did so successfully.

RHS swept the regional crowns at Northwestern State’s storied Walter P. Ledet Track Complex while recording 25 top three finishes, 15 by the boys, that qualified for next Saturday’s state championships at LSU’s Bernie Moore Stadium.

“We came here hoping to move a lot of our athletes forward to the state meet, and wanting to bring home regional championships,” said RHS coach Allen Whitaker. “We did that, and more. We had school records, we had PRs (personal records). We’re now in position to be in position to win next Saturday in Baton Rouge. I’m a very proud coach.”

Ruston won 13 events, seven from the boys. Three school records fell – two by the Lady Bearcats.

And oh, by the way, Brandon Green popped the nation’s second-ranked triple jump, breaking his own school record by an inch with a 50-4 1/4 leap. That was one of three wins for the meet’s Outstanding Field Event Athlete, who had a personal record 23-2 mark in the long jump, threatening the RHS standard, and missed the school record by one-tenth of a second while taking the 300 meter hurdles in 39.3.

The junior is making the spectacular seem routine.

He went 50-3 to open the outdoor season, becoming only the fifth 50-footer in North Louisiana history, including future USA Olympians LaMark Carter and Hollis Conway. He nearly soared 50 on his first try Wednesday, then got past that on the second attempt and curtailed efforts afterward, saving gas in the tank for the upcoming hurdles race.

Many others on the Ruston squads are routinely remarkable, and able to rise up at the right time.

For example, LSU signee Dyllon Nimmers was a double-winner Wednesday as anticipated, in the 800 and 3200, taking the eight-lap race in a lean at the line over a valiant Byrd competitor.

Case in point: Jada Green, doubled up with gold in the 200 and 400 dashes.

There was Corlasia Scott, roaring to a school-record 44.3 clocking while taking second in the 300 hurdles, and also contributing blistering legs on winning 4×100 and 4×400 relays. That 4×4 unit, with Tyra Fields, Scott, Kemiah Spencer and Kiona McCallister, carried the stick around in 3:57 – a 20-second improvement of their winning mark at the District 2-5A meet a week earlier.

That other school record for the RHS girls? Scott was involved again, with the same 4×1 foursome (Spencer, Green, Fields and Scott) which excels in the 4×2. They won in 1:39.1, the state’s fastest in 2021, lowering the Lady Bearcats’ best ever for the third time this spring.

McCallister grabbed more gold in the 800. Other Lady Bearcats state qualifiers: Fields, second in the 200 behind only Green; Lily Garrett, third in the 1600, and also with a leg on the silver medal 4×800 unit that will run again next Saturday.

Along with Green’s three triumphs, and the two from Nimmers, the Bearcats’ other gold medal performances came in relays, the 4×100 squad and from the heavily favored 4×800 squad of Andrew McCaskill, Titus Watts, Nelson Blackburn and Bryar Madden. The 4×1 crew nipped Captain Shreve 41.78 to 41.79.

The RHS boys recorded eight seconds, notably two by Ke’Travion “Bull” Hargrove in the 100 dash and the long jump, where he had a dramatic PR of 22-8. Down to his last jump, Hargrove was on the outside looking in, not in the top three that moved forward to statewide competition. Sprints coach Kevin Jackson, whose dad is the jumps coach at TCU, checked in with a suggestion. Hargrove made the adjustment and nailed the best jump of his career.

Other silver medals went to high jumper Jamarion Reed, Caleb Babineaux in the 1600, Demarion Rhone in the 200, (21.9), Josiah Whitaker on Nimmers’ heels in the 800, and in the 4×200 and 4×400 relays.

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By T. Scott Boatright

The Louisiana Senate’s Commerce, Consumer Protection and International Affairs Committee on Wednesday moved forward a bill that if passed would allow state residents to sue major social media companies that are believed to intentionally delete or censor political or religious speech.

The bill passed by a vote of 4-2

Senate Bill 196 by Sen. Jay Morris, R-West Monroe, is aimed at websites with 75 million members or more, specifically meaning Facebook, YouTube and Twitter. If passed, plaintiffs could claim actual damages and punitive damages up to $75,000.

The bill is a Louisiana version of the Stop Social Media Censorship Act, which 29 states have considered similar legislation for though none have enacted it into law.

Center Square of Louisiana reported that Eric Peterson, who works on technology issues for the Pelican Institute for Public Policy, said the bill would violate Section 230 and the First Amendment of the Constitution and could also affect other social medias like eBay and Shopify that might not want to host anything dealing with any kind of political commentary.

“They have the right to edit their content as they see fit,” Center Square reported Peterson as saying.

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The LPJ caught up with former Louisiana Tech all-conference defensive lineman Milton Williams prior to the start of the 2021 NFL Draft.

Question: What has been the most surprising part of this NFL Draft entire process?

Answer: The most surprising part for me has been the amount of teams reaching out to me. When I first came out everyone said they did not really know who I was. However, once my numbers came out from my pro day, everyone was like ‘Hold on, we need to figure out who this kid is.’ I have now had a conversation with at least one representative from every team in the league.

(Williams Pro Day Numbers: 4.62 in 40-yard dash; 34 reps on bench press; 6.87 on 3-cone; 4.33 on short shuttle; 38.5 vertical; 10.1 broad jump)

Question: Does it bother you when you see people label you as being from a “small school” or “mid-major”?

Answer: No. I feel like I could have played anywhere in the country. I wanted to play against the best teams. That is just my thing. We could have played Alabama, Texas, whoever. Whoever was in front of me they were going to have to work against me. Mid-major or not. I worked for everything I got, and I believed in my talent.

Question: What is the best piece of advice someone has given you about what to expect the next few nights?

Answer: I was talking to Amik Robertson about a week ago. He was giving me his point of view from his experience. He said do not get too high. Do not get too low. Just enjoy the moment and enjoy your family. It is all going to work out in the end. You do not know where you are going to go. Just be patient and your name is going to be called.

Question: What are you hearing from your agent or NFL scouts about where you may be drafted?

Answer: At first, I was hearing a fifth or sixth round pick. I talked to my agent a few days ago, and he is saying I have a late first or early second round grade. So late first. If not the first round, then for sure the second. That is what I am thinking going into it.

Question: Do you have a preference of where you go?

Answer: No. No preference. Whoever calls my name they are going to get my all and they are going to get someone who is ready to put in some work.

Question: Who was your favorite NFL team growing up and why?

Answer: Seattle Seahawks. I was a big video gamer when I was younger. I remember one of the first video games I played was Madden 07. Sean Alexander was on the cover. So I use to always play with the Seahawks and from that day on, I thought that was going to be my favorite team.

Question: Would it be nice to be drafted by a team close to your home so you could play close to your family?

Answer: I think it would be cool to be drafted by the Cowboys. You know the Cowboys have one of the biggest fan bases in the world. They have Cowboy fans everywhere. To be able to wear that star, that would be big.

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Press release

Louisiana Tech University Mechanical Engineering senior Richard Fontenot has earned a SMART (Science, Mathematics, and Research for Transformation) Scholarship from the U.S. Department of Defense for his academic and research success.

The SMART Scholarship-for-Service Program provides science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) students who excel in studies and complex research with a full scholarship and opportunities to research during summer internships with experts in their fields.

In addition to being a top-notch student, Fontenot has honed his research skills over the past three years, performing innovative research focused on heat transfer and spacecraft applications, specifically controlling thermal energy of spacecraft using ferrofluids, on projects with Dr. Arden Moore, associate professor of mechanical engineering and nanotechnology engineering for Louisiana Tech’s College of Engineering and Science and Institute of Micromanufacturing, and his team at The Multiscale Energy Transport and Materials Laboratory.

Last summer he added a remote internship with the Air Force Research Laboratory Space Vehicles Directorate in Albuquerque, New Mexico, to his resume.

After graduation in May, Fontenot will continue to work with the Air Force Research Laboratory Space Vehicles Directorate over summers and will pursue a doctoral degree in mechanical engineering at Rice University, where his SMART Scholarship will cover all educational expenses and a health insurance allowance, as well as provide him with an annual stipend.

At Rice, he will take the hands-on research experience that he’s had at Louisiana Tech to focus on spacecraft and heat transfer research.

“The fellowship creates a clear path for graduate school, and that path is in a large part because of Louisiana Tech,” Fontenot said. “I’ve had opportunities as a Tech student that I don’t believe I would have had at another school. Dr. Moore is a world-class researcher, and he makes time to meet with me for weekly research meetings. I’ve learned a lot working in his lab, but the most important two things I’ve learned with research are patience and perseverance. If something doesn’t work correctly the first time, and it rarely does, stay stubborn, and ask for help if you need it.”

Fontenot said he is thankful for the opportunities that he’s earned through Louisiana Tech and the connections he’s made at the Tech.

In addition to research with Moore, including proof of concept research on a reliable, variable emissivity surface using ferrofluid for small spacecraft applications that is about to be published and on which he’s the first author, Fontenot has spent his senior year developing a thermal management solution to prevent catastrophic failure resulting from thermal runaway in lithium-ion batteries with a team of his fellow mechanical engineers, Abigail Morgan, Nicholas Mueller, and Carli Raupp. The team will present the project at the 2021 College of Engineering and Science Senior Projects Conference on Friday, May 7.

“The support system at the University and at the College of Engineering and Science has been incredible. Everyone has been invested in my success: Dr. Moore and my fellow students, especially my senior design team, have helped me become a better communicator and researcher. Dr. (Hisham) Hegab (dean of the College of Engineering and Science) and Dr. (Heath) Tims (associate dean of undergraduate studies for the College of Engineering and Science) have also shown great interest in my growth as a student.”

“Richard’s prestigious scholarship is well-deserved,” Moore said. “Besides his academic talent, work ethic, and leadership skills, his positive attitude and ability to function well on a team have benefited every project he has been a part of. As a faculty member at Louisiana Tech, I am grateful that we have students of this caliber in the classroom and in the laboratory.”

Fontenot is currently serving as a College of Engineering and Science Senator for Louisiana Tech’s Student Government Association, president of the Mechanical Engineering honors society, Pi Tau Sigma, and is an active member of COES Ambassadors. He’s also a proud Eagle Scout. He earned the College of Engineering and Science Outstanding Senior award in 2021 and Outstanding Junior award in 2020 and the Louisiana Tech University Freshman Engineering Student of the Year award in 2018.

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By T. Scott Boatright

Lincoln Parish residents wanting to roll into a great weekend can get things started from noon-3 p.m. Saturday as Skatepark of Ruston holds a “Skate Jam.”

The event will take place at the Old Historic Fire Station located at 200 E. Mississippi Ave. in Ruston.

“Something is promised for everyone,” including food and kids activities. People can either view or participate in riding some rails, jumping some ramps and “growing through experimentation,” event organizers said.

Those attending the event can learn of plans for a skatepark to be built in Ruston.

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James Wesley Colvin
October 7, 1929 – April 25, 2021
Visitation: Thursday, April 29, 2021 at the New Hope Baptist Church Family Life Center in Choudrant; 6-8 p.m.
Service: Friday, April 30, 2021 at New Hope Baptist Church in Choudrant; 2 p.m.

Shemar Malik Evans
January 24, 2002 – April 21, 2021

Laura Denise Spillers
May 27, 1961 – April 23, 2021
Visitation: Saturday, May 1, 2021 at Culberson Baptist Church in Farmerville; 2-3 p.m.
Service: Saturday, May 1, 2021 at Culberson Baptist Church in Farmerville; 3 p.m.

Lillie Mae Washington
April 11, 1939 – April 21, 2021

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By T. Scott Boatright

Lincoln Parish is ahead of much of the state when it comes to the battle against COVID-19 according to numbers released on Monday.

Louisiana officials announced that the state reached a milestone on Monday as 26%, or more than 1.2 million, state residents are now fully vaccinated against the coronavirus.

Lincoln Parish is reported 23.3% of residents are now fully vaccinated, ranking 19th out of the state’s 64 parishes, while 28.1% of parish residents have initiated the vaccination process and are awaiting a second booster injection.

The 10 most-vaccinated parishes in Louisiana are as follows:
• 1. West Feliciana: 46.7% vaccines completed
• 2. Orleans: 35.8% vaccines completed
• 3. Jefferson: 31.4% vaccines completed
• 4. St. Tammany: 30.1% vaccines completed
• 5. Tensas: 28.8% vaccines completed
• 6. East Baton Rouge: 28.6% vaccines completed
• 7. St. Charles: 28.3% vaccines completed
• 8. Pointe Coupee: 28.1% vaccines completed
• 9. Plaquemines: 27.1% vaccines completed
• 10. St. John the Baptist: 26.6% vaccines completed

The 10 least vaccinated parishes are as follows:
• 56. Madison: 17.4% vaccines completed
• 57. Jefferson Davis: 16.6% vaccines completed
• 58. Grant: 15.5% vaccines completed
• 59. Beauregard: 15% vaccines completed
• 60. Concordia: 14.9% vaccines completed
• 61. La Salle: 14.8% vaccines completed
• 61. St. Helena: 14.2% vaccines completed
• 62. Allen: 12.5% vaccines completed
• 63. Vernon: 10.9% vaccines completed
• 64. Cameron: 8.5% vaccines completed

Key statewide statistics as of Tuesday:
• Total confirmed cases: 388,344
• Total “probable” cases: 68,540
• Total confirmed deaths: 9,445
• Hospitalized: 308
• On ventilators: 46
• Vaccine series initiated: 1,475,366 (updated twice weekly on every Monday and Thursday)
• Vaccine series completed: 1,206,198 (updated twice weekly on every Monday and Thursday)

Key Lincoln Parish statistics as of Tuesday:
• Total confirmed cases: 3,355
• Total “probable” cases: 1,096
• Total confirmed deaths: 85

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By T. Scott Boatright

After two days of interviews with eight semifinalists, the LSU Presidential Search Committee reportedly met for three hours behind closed doors for three hours before on Tuesday night announcing its three finalists to replace former LSU President-Chancellor F. King Alexander.

One of those finalists is Jim Henderson, President of the University of Louisiana which oversees both Grambling State University and Louisiana Tech University in Lincoln Parish.

Droegemeier was the director for the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy for part of President Donald Trump’s term while Tate is the provost at the University of South Carolina.

Louisiana Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne, who was interviewed Monday, did not make the cut for finalists. LSU Interim President Tom Galligan on April 20 withdrew from the permanent presidential search.

LSU has been searching for a new permenant president since Alexander announced in late 2019 that he was taking a similar post leading Oregon State University.

The search committee has indicated it is hoping to deliver to the LSU Board of Supervisors a recommendation by Friday.

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By T. Scott Boatright

Louisiana’s population growth slowed over the past 10 years, but not enough to cost the state a seat in Congress.

U.S. Census data released Monday showed Louisiana with more than 4.6 million residents, which is approximately 124,000 more than recorded in the 2010 census.

But Louisiana’s 2.7% growth rate was far short of the 7.4% population increase seen across the United States. Louisiana lost a congressional seat after the 2010 census because of low population growth at the time.

The release of the 2020 census data marks the start of political redistricting battles that come every 10 years with the release of new, updated population numbers. The new numbers will by used by to redraw political maps to account for population, but that’s an issue Louisiana won’t have to face after the new census update.

Texas will add two congressional seats based on the new census data while Florida and North Carolina will add one seat each. Illinois, Michigan, Pennsylvania and West Virginia are all states that will lose seats based on the new census numbers.

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The countdown is on for one of my most exciting times of the year — the NFL Draft.

And as a certified black-and-gold bleeding Who Dat, this year’s draft seems much more crucial than years past following the retirement of Drew Brees, the Saints’ savior who guided the team to their first and only trip to the Big Dance and its only Super Bowl win.

So, you might think I’m looking hard at quarterbacks for the Saints’ first-round selection — right now slated to be the 28th overall — during Thursday night’s opening round of the draft.

If so, you’re probably thinking wrong.

Financial losses caused by the COVID-19 pandemic significantly shrank the NFL salary cap, forcing the team to cut some players I seriously doubt they wanted to let go. The Saints lost some big-time talent simply because they were caught up in the numbers game.

And that leaves head coach Sean Payton and Co. with some pretty significant voids that need to be filled.

While I would love to get excited about the Saints bringing in a rookie star to bring their next long-term quarterback, I believe the cost of moving up in the draft would be much too costly to do so. Doing so would prevent the team from filling some crucial holes it needs to fill if it even hopes to remain a potential NFL contender next season.

And yes, I think that even without Brees, the Saints have an opportunity to remain a contender in the NFL. But they must play their cards correctly. And part of that is believing in Sean Payton. I know I do.

Payton said in the midst of last season and during the ongoing offseason that he believes Brees’ replacement is already in the building. And as I said, I believe in Payton. And while I might be in the minority of Who Dat fans, I agree.

Just take a look at Payton’s history and you might see why.

Payton guided Kerry Collins as the Giants’ quarterback coach to a Super Bowl. And yes, that’s the same Kerry Collins who struggled in his lone season as the Saints’ starter before moving on to the Giants. Collins had a 49.2 completion percentage with the Saints, and a 61.5 completion percentage in his best season as a Giant and a 57.6 completion percentage during his Super Bowl season.

Then Payton as the Cowboys’ assistant head coach looked to his alma mater of Eastern Illinois and found Tony Romo, who he turned in an above average quarterback for Dallas.

Not even closed to finished, Payton then took over as head coach for the dismal Saints, took a chance on Brees and turned him from from an above average quarterback coming off a potentially career-ending injury into one of the best to ever play behind center in the NFL.

In 2019, Payton and the Saints won five straight games with Teddy Bridgewater as quarterback after Brees was injured.

And then last season, after Brees was injured again, Payton coached Taysom Hill to a 3-1 record as a starter with Jameis Winston sitting on the bench, playing a little mop-up duty along the way.

Payton has proven he’s a “Quarterback Whisperer,” and with Hill and Winston returning the Saints to duke it out for the starting role as Brees’ replacement, I believe Payton and the Saints are in a good place. If Payton can’t turn either Taysom or Jameis into a elite quarterback, I don’t think anyone can. In fact, I love the idea of Winston and Hill being on the field at the same time. Let a defensive coordinator try to figure out what will be coming at them then.

Winston has shown that he has hopefully matured and is ready to become more of the game of game manager the Saints will need to be successful. If so, give him and Taysom 1/3 of snaps each per game behind center, and the other 1/3 together on the field at the same time.

So I think the Saints should concentrate on other positions like cornerback, linebacker, defensive line and possibly wide receiver this draft. There are some other holes that could use filling, like tight end, safety and even offensive line.

You know Saints general manager Mickey Loomis and Co. will work their usual salary cap magic and add some needed veterans to fill some of those holes, so if the Saints get a chance to pick up a young quarterback in the mid to late rounds, I’d have no problem with it. If names like Kyle Trask, Kellen Mond or Davis Wilson fall to the third round, I’d be OK with it. Jamie Newman or Sam Ehlinger or two others they could slide further back and be solid potential pick-ups. And the Saints will need a decent third quarterback simply based on Hill’s style of play.

But I’m really looking forward to Payton and Saints rolling with “Taymeis” next season, so I’d rather see them focus on other positions in the draft.

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Staff writer

Cedar Creek’s Ansley Long starred over distance Tuesday and Simsboro’s boys were champions in regional LHSAA track and field action, while the streaking Ruston and Choudrant baseball teams learned their regional round playoff opponents.

CEDAR CREEK TRACK & FIELD: Ansley Long swept the girls 1600 and 3200 meter runs Tuesday, winning the longer race by almost a minute, at the LHSAA Region I Class A track and field championships at Lakeside High in Sibley.

The Cedar Creek girls scored 93 points and were regional runner-up to Ouachita Christian (127). The Cougars were sixth in the boys team standings with 28 ½ points.

The Lady Cougars qualified 13 entries for the state meet next week in Baton Rouge. The boys had four qualifying performances with top four finishes Tuesday.

Long gave the Creek girls the school’s only two wins. Teammates taking second were Sarah Adams in the long jump (15-10), Annie Jones in the javelin (108-11), Lauren Osafo in the 800 (2:31.50), and Cara Beth Hill in the 400 (1:03.02).

Lady Cougars in third place: Rileigh Geis (triple jump, 33-11 1/2), Ashlyn Bourn (discus, 94-9), Caroline James (1600, 5:51.39), Taylor Ramsey (3200, 13:10.29) and the 4×400 relay (4:30.94); and taking fourth: Lauren Entergin (pole vault, 6-6).

For the Cougars, the top finishes were bronze medal performances in the 3200 by Ethan McCarthy (11:02.68) and in the 4×400 relay (3:37.20). Fourth place went to John Abram Earle (pole vault, 10-6) and Logan Johnson (400, 56.86).

SIMSBORO TRACK & FIELD: The Tigers won the Region I Class B championship Tuesday at Lakeside in Sibley. The Lady Tigers were regional runner-up. Meet officials had not published results online as of Tuesday at midnight.

RUSTON TENNIS: The agony of defeat was a new and bitter taste for Ruston’s previously unbeaten No. 1 doubles team of seniors Andrew Ellis and Will Johnson, who were edged in a pro set tiebreaker 11-9 Monday night in the LHSAA Division I quarterfinals at Forsythe Park in Monroe.

Ellis and Johnson were paired at the outset of the 2020 season by veteran coach David Poe. They were undefeated last year when the pandemic halted sports competition in mid-March, and overwhelmed every opponent they encountered this spring, including through two rounds of the state tournament.

After a rough start against Catholic High’s Brady St. Martin and Jeff Duncan in the quarterfinals, Ellis-Johnson dropped their first set of the season 6-2, but found their stride in the final stages. Ellis-Johnson evened the match with a 6-4 second set triumph.

They had match point in the pro set at 9-8, but the Catholic duo saved it. Then the CHS player who had tremendous service trouble all evening came up with two aces to score the upset and advance to today’s semifinals, where they lost to a team from Brother Martin.

The painful twist: split set matches in the first three rounds of the state tournament are decided by a pro set, with the first team to 10 or more and ahead by two prevailing. In the semifinals and finals, opponents play a third set after splitting the first two.

“The boys started to find it at the end of the first set and had the momentum in the second set. I know that we had played a third set, our guys would have won, but in the tiebreaker, it just barely went the other way,” Poe said. “They’ve had a fantastic two years together and I’m proud to have coached them. It was a pretty emotional ending Monday night, to say the least.”

RUSTON BASEBALL: Central of Baton Rouge dispatched visiting Hahnville 9-3 Tuesday, earning a trip to Ruston later this week for a regional round best-of-three series against the Bearcats.

Ruston (25-8) has won 13 in a row and is the fifth seed in Class 5A. No dates or times were announced as of Tuesday night.

CHOUDRANT BASEBALL: Winners of their last 25, the No. 1 seeded Aggies enjoyed a first-round bye while No. 16 Holden earned the chance to travel to Lincoln Parish with a 12-5 win Tuesday over Bell City.

The regional round game will be played at 6 p.m. Monday in Choudrant.

There are no playoff series in Class B, just do-or-die single-elimination games through the playoff bracket.

The Aggies are 28-3.

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Staff writer

Nobody around the powerhouse Ruston High School track and field program will forget the last trip to compete in the LHSAA Region I, Class 5A championships in Natchitoches two years ago.

The Bearcats won the regional crown and the Lady Bearcats were runner-up to Lafayette.

But that took on much greater meaning because it was done in the immediate aftermath of the devastating overnight EF-3 tornado that mangled portions of Ruston 36 hours earlier, taking the two lives — the mother and younger brother of 2019 Bearcat senior competitor Cameron Murphy.

He accompanied the team, and ran a leg on the 4×100 relay, after the squad gathered before its trip to consider whether the best course of action was to compete — or mourn.

“We were highly motivated then,” said Ruston coach Allen Whitaker, “and we are again. We’re going in there with a lot of emotion, with those memories.”

There were no district, regional or state championships in 2020 due to the pandemic. Today’s eagerly-anticipated regional championship sets the stage for Ruston’s possible runs at state titles, with the top four finishers in each event qualifying for next week’s competition at Bernie Moore Stadium on the LSU campus.

Field events begin at 1 p.m. today in the 2021 Region I meet, with running starting at 3 p.m. at the Walter P. Ledet Track Complex at Northwestern State.

Whitaker does not back away from the obvious. For RHS track and field, the standard is the standard.

“On the boys side, I’m looking to win it,” Whitaker said. “We have enough guys (22) qualified from the district meet to have a run at it. We have enough kids to have a shot at winning state, and the first goal is to qualify enough to be in position to do that. Winning the region would be even better.

“With the girls (20 qualifiers), we’ll have a battle with Lafayette. I was speaking with their coach and he told me we would win it, and I told him they looked like the team to beat. I hope he’s right,” chuckled Whitaker.

Lafayette won the girls regional title in 2019 and Ruston was the runner-up.

“We want the big one Wednesday, but if it’s a runner-up trophy and we get a lot of kids qualified for the state meet, we’re good,” Whitaker said.

As for individual entries, Whitaker starts with Bearcat junior Brandon Green, whose 50-3 triple jump opening the outdoor season would rank first nationally if there had been a wind gauge at Catholic High. There will be at NSU and there’s reason to believe something impressive could unfold.

“He had to cut his second phase short at the district meet at ULM because he came from a 32-foot board. I’m going to make sure he’s coming off a 36-foot board at NSU, and he may be back over 50 feet if he has a good day,” said Whitaker. “I expect a big jump out of him.”

As for other boys who should shine in field events:

“I expect Bull Hargrove to excel in the long jump,” Whitaker said. “We’ll do well in the high jump with Jamarion Reed.

“The shocker may be Jed Allen in the javelin. He won district with a big PR (personal record), by 10 feet, and he’s throwing it with confidence. I would not be surprised, but everybody else will, if Jed is the regional champion.”

The Bearcats have plenty of firepower on the track, including Green in the 300 hurdles, but headlined by LSU signee Dyllon Nimmers, a stalwart in the 800 and anchoring the 4×800 relay.

“You start with Dyllon, who is expected to win the 800 and Josiah Whitaker should be right behind,” said Josiah’s proud dad, “so we’re looking for 18 points there. Dyllon in the 3,200 is ready to roll.

“The relays (4×100, 4×200, 4×400, 4×800) will do well. We should score well in the individual sprints and distance races. Caleb Babineaux will be tough to catch in the mile (1,600). I have high expectations and confidence our team is ready,” he said.

While Green and Nimmers each won two individual titles at the District 2-5A meet last Wednesday, so did Lady Bearcats Lily Garrett and Jada Williams, who are also strong contenders for regional crowns.

“Jada Wiliams is going to have a big race in the 400,” said Whitaker. “We had her shut it down when she was in control at the district meet, but recruiters want to see her against good competition and we’re not putting on the brakes at regionals.

“You know Lily Garrett is going to do well in the mile (1600) and two-mile (3200),” he said.

The Ruston girls may catch opponents by surprise in a relay.

“We had a mishap in the girls 4×200 at district so we’ll be in the slow heat in that event. We’re running about 1:39 and the other teams are several seconds back, so getting some clean handoffs and running alone in front will be essential,” said Whitaker, “but I believe we can finish in the top four against time and get to state.

“Tyra Fields will be back on our relays, at full strength, and she’ll have a shot to beat Jada in the 200. Both should advance to state.

“Our distance girls are good. We should go 1-2 in the 800 with Kiona McCallister and Zoie Holstead,”
Whitaker said.

He’s looking for Tyana Jackson to surprise in the long jump, and perhaps in the 100, where she made it to regionals out of a slow heat. Whitaker believes Corlasia Scott in the 300 hurdles should be ready for her best race.

At just the right time. Because Ruston’s program is built for this.

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By T. Scott Boatright

Cedar Creek last week competed in the Middle School Championship Swim Meet which consisted of middle schools of all school sizes.

The Cougars finished third overall in the combined standings.

Cedar Creek’s Girls Team finished in second place while the Cougar Boys took fourth.

Girls:
The girls relay team of McKenzie Jones, KaraLin Hoover, Madison Morris, and Gracie Jones won the 200 Medley Relay. The girls relay team of McKenzie Jones, Madison Morris, Hannah Hiers, and KaraLin Hoover finished 2nd in the 200 Freestyle Relay.

Hannah Hiers competed in the seventh and eighth grade group. She finished ninth in the 100 Individual Medley, 5th in the 50 Butterfly, and 10th in the 50 Backstroke.

KaraLin Hoover competed in the seventh and eighth grade category, finishing second in the 100 Individual Medley, second in the 200 Freestyle, and first in the 50 Breaststroke.

Gracie Jones participated in the fifth and sixth grade competition. She finished third in the 100 Freestyle, sixth in the 50 Freestyle, and fifth in the 50 Backstroke.

McKenzie Jones competed in the seventh and eighth grade group. She finished third in the 50 Freestyle, third in the 50 Butterfly, and second in the 50 Backstroke.

Madison Morris competed in the fifth and sixth category. She finished first in the 100 Individual Medley, first in the 50 Butterfly, and first in the 50 Breaststroke.

Boys:
J. J. Hoover competed in the fifth and sixth grade group. He finished third in the 100 Individual Medley, second in the 200 Freestyle, and fourth in the 50 Backstroke.

Cam Napper particpated in the 5-6 category. He finished second in the 100 Individual Medley, second in the 50 Butterfly, and third in the 50 Backstroke.

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Opportunity: Courtesy Automotive Team

Sales Consultant – $2,500 a month
Courtesy Automotive Team is looking for highly motivated sales personnel. We are growing with the addition of a new store and both locations are in need of motivated team members. We offer a minimum pay of $2,500 a month to start. Training and all needed materials will be provided. There is also an opportunity to make more from the start with bonuses and commission. Five-day work week and vacation days provided. Health and Dental insurance offered. Daily training with experienced managers. Send in resume or apply in person at Courtesy Chevrolet Buick GMC Cadillac of Ruston. Full-time, $2,500.00 per month with benefits such as 401(k), Dental insurance, employee discount, health insurance, paid time off. 10 hour shift, commission pay, High school or equivalent education (Preferred), 1 year Sales Experience (Preferred), 1 year Customer Service (Preferred), Driver’s License (Preferred), Paid Training, Typical start time: 8 a.m., Typical end time: 6 p.m., Company’s website: http://www.buycourtesy.com Apply in person at either Courtesy dealership.

Service Advisor – $14 – $17 an hour
Opportunity to work for a great Family-Owned Business with Great pay and benefits. Base salary plus commission and bonuses. Customer service oriented. Family environment. Job Responsibilities: Communicates with Customers to schedule service appointments, Greets customers upon arrival for service appointments and checks in customer vehicles. Listens to customers concerns and vehicle symptoms, clarifying description of problems, inspecting vehicles Prepare Repair Orders for technicians by describing problems heard from customers. Communicates with technicians about vehicle, repair status and develops estimates of materials, supplies and labor to present to customer. Present customer estimates and obtain customer approval for services required and recommended. Maintains a positive relationship with the customer throughout the entire process from scheduling up to delivery of vehicle after completed repairs. Recommended Skills: Problem solving, Customer Service, Communication skills, Automotive Knowledge, Experience Highly Encouraged. Full-time position Benefits: Dental insurance, Health insurance, Paid time off, 10 hour shift, Commission pay, High school education equivalent (Preferred) 1 year Customer Service (Preferred), Driver’s License (Preferred) Typical start time: 7 a.m. Typical end time: 5 p.m.. Apply in person at either Courtesy dealership.

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By T. Scott Boatright

Trailblazer Resource Conservation and Development is partnering with the Lincoln Parish Library and the Lincoln Parish Police Jury to bring Trailblazer Tuesdays to the Lincoln Parish Library Events Center.

On the first Tuesday of each month Trailblazer, and the Lincoln Parish Library will present a series of workshops to provide timely information to the community on a variety of topics including forestry, wildlife, backyard conservation, soil health, estate planning and more.

The workshops will be held from 6-7:30 p.m. the first Tuesday of each month at the Lincoln Parish Library Events Center.

Following is the schedule set from May to August:
• May 4: Working With Your Forestry Consultant
• June 1: Rare Louisiana Animals featuring the Ivory-Billed Woodpecker
• August 3: The Value Of Your Trees

• Coming Soon: Seminars on Soil Health, Backyard Conservation, Wildlife Habitat and more.

Trailblazer was officially authorized in 1966 and incorporated in 1988 and serves Lincoln, Bienville, Bossier, Claiborne, Jackson, Union, Webster, and Winn parishes.

For more information contact the Lincoln Parish Library at 318-251-5030 or Trailblazer 318-237-8350.

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Submitted article

Ruston High School’s Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) did not let the change affect their participation for the most part and picked up where they left off last year, capturing the honor as the state’s top chapter (Gold Seal Chapter of Merit) for the third straight year at the Louisiana FBLA State Leadership Conference.

RHS FBLA remains one of only two Honorary Life Foundation Member chapters. Led by RHS FBLA President Hana Le, RHS FBLA captured 16 state titles, eight state runner-up titles, five third-place finishes, and nine fourth-place showings with all qualifying for the FBLA National Leadership Conference to be held this summer.

In addition to these winners, RHS FBLA added seven fifth-place showings, five sixth-place finishes, five seventh-place marks, two eight-place finishes, three ninth-place showings and two 10th-place marks. In total, RHS placed in the Top 10 in the state in 62 events, 38 of which qualified for nationals.

The RHS FBLA had several members place fifth through 10th. Placing 10th were Alexander Atassi (Computer Problem Solving) and Savannah Garrett (Organizational Leadership). Members placing ninth were John Maxwell (Agribusiness); Katelyn Williams (Introduction to Parliamentary Procedure); and Lauren Smith (Word Processing). Placing eighth were Peter Owen (Impromptu Speaking) and MacKenzie Ferguson (Personal Finance).

The five seventh-place winners were Meredith Edwards (Introduction to FBLA); Luke Wages (Introduction to Information Technology); Allison Johnson (Introduction to Public Speaking); MacKenzie Ferguson (Journalism); and Ellie Puljak (Organizational Leadership). Members who placed sixth were Sophie Puljak (Business Communication); Alexander Atassi (Cyber Security); Madelyn Ferguson (Introduction to Parliamentary Procedure); LaDaijah Thomas (Job Interview); and Kimberly McPhail (Personal Finance).

Ruston’s fifth-place winners included Joshua Nguyen (Accounting II); Meredith Edwards (Introduction to Parliamentary Procedures); Savannah Garrett (Management Decision Making); Ellie Puljak (Political Science); Avery Overstreet (Public Speaking); Joshua Ogden (Securities and Investments); and the team of Jed Denny, Triston Dumas, and Dennis Williams (Sports and Entertainment Management).

The RHS FBLA had many students qualify for nationals by placing third through fourth, depending on the event. The nine fourth-place qualifiers were Shelbee Fain (Accounting II); Moriah Jackson (Business Ethics); Shantorria Johnson (Client Services); Hana Le (Economics); Matthew Daulton (Health Care Administration); Katelyn Williams (Introduction to Business Presentation); Atlis Britt (Introduction to Business Procedures); Matthew Yates (Introduction to FBLA); and Sophie Puljak (Journalism).

Ruston’s five third-place national qualifiers include Thomas Rogers (Introduction to Financial Math); Annie Hoang (Introduction to Public Speaking); Cayla Richard (Ms. FBL); and Moriah Jackson (Public Speaking).

The RHS FBLA also had eight individual/team state runner-up placements. State Runner-ups were Moriah Jackson (Community Service Project); Kimberly Gardner (Graphic Design); Taryn Sternitzsky (Help Desk); Josh Nguyen (International Business); Jed Denny (Introduction to Business Procedures); Jason Willis (Mr. FBL); Matthew Daulton (Organizational Leadership); and the team of Joshua Ogden, Peter Owen, Lauren Smith, Alexis Thompson, and Matthew Yates (Parliamentary Procedures Team).

Louisiana’s state-leading 16 champions from Ruston High School at the Louisiana FBLA State Leadership Conference were Hana Le (Accounting II); Peter Owen (American Enterprise Project); the team of Masie Daughtry, Cayla Richard, and McGuire Toncrey (Broadcast Journalism); Jason Willis (Business Communication) Taryn Sternitzsky (Client Services); Anna-Katherine Thompson (Digital Video Production); RHS Chapter (Gold Seal Chapter of Merit); Thomas Rogers (Introduction to Business); Liam Purifoy (Introduction to Business Procedures); the team of Allison Johnson and Grisham Locke (Introduction to Events Planning); Hana Le (Local Chapter Annual Business Report); Anna-Katherine Thompson (Ms. FBL); Alexis Thompson (Networking Infrastructures); McGuire Toncrey (Supply Chain Management); Hana Le (Richard D. Clanton Memorial Scholarship); and Anna-Katherine Thompson (Louisiana Who’s Who)

Many of the RHs FBLA national qualifiers will have to decide which event that they will compete in as they won multiple titles but can only compete in one event at nations, with certain exceptions. Also note that for the first time in RHS FBLA history, Han Le captured the Richard D. Clanton Memorial Scholarship, which is based on the memory of the founder of FBLA, and comes with a cash prize as well as her name engraved on the Richard D. Clanton Memorial Scholarship plaque that is displayed at Northwestern State University.

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Press release

Brown Girls Do Gymnastics’ fifth annual conference will be hosted on Grambling State University’s campus in collaboration with The Doug Williams Center and Ruston Lincoln Convention & Visitor’s Bureau.

The event is set for July 23-2.

Registration is open now for ages 6 and up to learn advanced gymnastics and acrobatic techniques. For more information or to register for the Conference, visit browngirlsdogymnastics.com.

The conference aims to increase exposure and access to gymnastics among women and girls of color, provide mentorship from high-level gymnasts, and offer resources and information for the parents of these young gymnasts.

Previously, four BGDG Conferences have been hosted in Atlanta, and in 2020 one was held virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic. More than 185 families from 15 states have attended along with national judges, elite coaches, and college recruiters who have led workshops for gymnasts and parents.

Blazing a Trail for Gymnasts of Color

Only months after the untimely death of the first Black woman to win the U.S.A. Gymnastics national championship, Dianne Durham, Brown Girls Do Gymnastics (BGDG) leads a grassroots initiative to introduce competitive gymnastics to Historically Black Colleges & Universities’ (HBCU) athletic programming. Durham set the world stage for Black American gymnasts, paving a path for stars like Dominique Dawes, Gabby Douglas, and Simone Biles.

Following their success, there has been a rise in national participation of young Black women and girls. According to the NCAA Demographics Database, 9% of Division I women gymnasts in 2019 were Black, a significant leap from 4.5% in 2008.

As the sport continues to produce Olympic qualifiers of color, there is a growing need to provide platforms for these athletes to pursue their craft while continuing their education in the safety of inclusive spaces like HBCUs. Because there are no HBCUs currently offering gymnastics programs, those who wish to pursue competitive gymnastics at the college level do not have the option to attend an HBCU.

Grambling State University is answering this call by hosting this event and looking to the future.

“Our rich history of athletic excellence and Black firsts makes GSU the perfect home for the first HBCU competitive gymnastics program,” said GSU President Rick Gallot. “The need is clear and we are motivated by the opportunity we can provide for young gymnasts of color. With the right partners and sponsors, we are ready to bring the sport to life right here on our campus and build a platform for young women to advance their athletic and academic pursuits.”

GSU has a rich legacy of sports excellence including launching the careers of athletes like NBA champion Willis Reed, quadruple double queen Shakyla Hill and women’s basketball legend Patricia Cage Bibbs. Under the leadership of legendary Coach Eddie Robinson, the University’s football program has sent more players to the NFL than any other HBCU to date.

One of those pioneering players was Doug Williams, the first Black quarterback to start and win a Super Bowl and now the namesake of Grambling State’s latest advancement arm, The Doug Williams Center. The Center is a learning commons founded to provide research and create real solutions to college and professional sports’ racial and gender disparities. The Center will work in tandem with BGDG and the University’s leadership to elevate access to this sport for prospective HBCU students.

“Access to sports creates opportunities and the lack of said access for Black and brown youth is a social justice issue,” said Raven Thissel, marketing and public relations director of The Doug Williams Center. “Hosting the Brown Girls Do Gymnastics conference at Grambling State is our first step to introduce a new avenue for advancing girls and women of color.”

For more information or to register for the Conference, visit browngirlsdogymnastics.com. To learn more about investment and sponsorship opportunities for the first HBCU competitive gymnastics program, email advancementservices@gram.edu or call Grambling State’s Office of Institutional Advancement at 318-274-3330.

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Staff writer

Following a weekend of Southwestern Athletic Conference sweeps completed on the road Monday, Grambling’s baseball and softball teams slumped Tuesday in non-conference outings.

BASEBALL: LSU bolted to a 6-0 lead after three innings on Tuesday, and eight pitchers combined to work nine scoreless innings in a 7-0 shutout of Grambling in Alex Box Stadium, Skip Bertman Field.

LSU improved to 25-15 with its fourth win in its past five games. Grambling dropped to 14-20 with Tuesday’s loss, but has won 14 of its last 23, primarily behind a prolific offense which has scored 10 or more runs nine times in those wins.

Grambling drew a goose egg for only the second time this year. The other one came in a 10-0 loss at Mississippi State March 6. The G-Men scored 36 runs in their weekend sweep at Texas Southern.

The shutout was LSU’s fifth this season and improved the Tigers’ record in midweek non-conference games to 10-0 on the year.

“Grambling has been playing really good baseball recently, and they were coming off a three-game conference sweep last weekend, so I was definitely concerned about this game,” said LSU coach Paul Mainieri. “But, I thought our guys played exceptionally well all day.”

Grambling starter Antoine Valerio (3-2) was charged with the loss as he surrendered six runs on nine hits in 2.2 innings with two walks and three strikeouts.

LSU grabbed a 2-0 lead in the second inning when shortstop Jordan Thompson launched a solo homer –- his seventh dinger of the year -– and designated hitter Cade Beloso ripped an RBI double into the right-centerfield gap.

LSU added four runs in the third to take control.

The G-Men are home this weekend for a Southwestern Athletic Conference series beginning Friday against Prairie View.

SOFTBALL: The Lady Tigers dropped a 5-2 decision at home Tuesday afternoon to ULM, but neither institution provided any details as of late Tuesday night.

Grambling (10-14, 7-6) visits Jackson State this afternoon.

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Staff writer

Louisiana Tech football coach Skip Holtz is reported to be among four top candidates to replace former LSU coach Les Miles as the head man of the Kansas Jayhawks.

ESPN college football writer Adam Rittenberg tweeted late Monday night that Holtz was in the mix with Buffalo coach Lance Leipold, Army’s Jeff Monken (a former Tech assistant) and Texas A&M defensive coordinator Mike Elko. No official sources were cited.

The job opened when Miles was fired last month as sexual harassment accusations arose from his time at LSU.

Holtz is 57-33 in his last seven seasons among the eight he’s been in Ruston, and had a six-game bowl winning streak snapped this winter after starting quarterback Luke Anthony was injured in the regular-season finale at TCU. His name routinely surfaces in speculation for upper level Division I coaching vacancies, but he has consistently indicated he’s happy at LA Tech.

SOFTBALL: Louisiana Tech and Northwestern State were not scheduled to play a doubleheader on Tuesday night in Natchitoches. But, they did … plus one more inning.

After four hours and 40 minutes of softball (enough time to watch “Gone with the Wind” plus the previews), catcher Brooke Diaz caught a foul ball behind home plate for the final out, giving LA Tech the 3-2 victory over NSU.

Scarlett O’Hara was not playing at Lady Demon Diamond however. This movie had different characters and many twists and turns.

One the one hand, the Lady Techsters were fortunate the Lady Demons did not blow the game wide open in the early innings. NSU left 10 runners on base through the first four frames, mustering only two runs.

That 2-0 lead held up all the way until the top of the seventh. Amanda Gonzalez led things off with a single up the middle. After a fly out and a ground out, LA Tech was down to its last out when Tanja Smith kept the squad alive with an infield single.

The drama continued to build during a 12-pitch at bat for Kylie Neel. On that 12th pitch, the plot thickened as she drove the ball deep to right center to score two and tie things up.

The Lady Techsters and Lady Demons proceeded to play a whole other game — seven innings worth –- without either scoring a run.

That was until the top of the 15th when LA Tech’s Kara Goff hit a grounder right at the second basemen. The ball kicked up at the last second, hitting her on the chest and ricocheting far enough away for Zoe Hicks to score from second base. It was scored as an RBI single on the bad hop.

Hannah Koenig shut down all three NSU batters in the bottom half to seal the victory for LA Tech in its longest game since 2002. Koenig came on in relief of starter Audrey Pickett who was a workhorse, throwing 227 pitches in 12.2 innings.

NSU’s school record of 21 innings in a 1991 game at UL-Lafayette was not threatened.

GOLF: After shooting one over Monday in the opening round of the 2021 C-USA Championships in Texarkana, Arkansas, Tech stood fourth in the field of 13 league teams.

Day two was almost identical for the Bulldogs as the team shot a +2 (290). However, it was “moving day” for others with six squads going under par to slip LA Tech back three spots into seventh going into the third and final round today.

The ‘Dogs sank 34 birdies through 36 holes, tied for the fourth most in the tournament. However, the par 3s have been a bugaboo to the tune of +15 (tied for the third worst).

In order to make it to the match play playoff, LA Tech has to finish in the top four. Good news for them, the ‘Dogs are five strokes behind fourth place. And even though head coach Matt Terry said the team has made too mistakes, he also said, “I love our chances.”

The Murphy brothers will need to play a huge role in leading a LA Tech comeback. Sam anchors the team at -3 while Mac is one stroke behind at -2.

BASKETBALL: The Dunkin’ Dogs are picking up a local transfer from Texas A&M. Ladamien Bradford, a dynamic 6-4 guard from Jonesboro-Hodge, tweeted the news Tuesday that he was “coming home” to play for the Bulldogs

Bradford will be a freshman in 2021-22. He started twice and played in 14 games for the Aggies last winter, but got only 98 minutes all season. He gets to repeat as a freshman due to the NCAA’s one-time pandemic exception. A&M was 8-10 overall, 2-8 in the SEC.

Bradford was a candidate for the LSWA’s Mr. Basketball honor and also the Gatorade Player of the Year in Louisiana at the close of his high school days at JHHS. He was the Shreveport Times All-Area Player of the Year for 2019-20 after averaging 24.5 points and 13.3 rebounds, along with 5.5 assists and 3.3 steals.

He was a two-year All-State pick who was a highly-recruited player after some standout play on the summer AAU circuit around the country before his senior season.

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By T. Scott Boatright

The North Central Louisiana Arts Council will hold “Art in the Park,” a downtown art show from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday in downtown Ruston.

NCLAC will have maps for their Outdoor Art Show in and around downtown, Experience Ruston will have chalk available for everyone to chalk city sidewalks, Ruston High’s Senior Talented Art sale will be happening in Esma’s Alley, and the Ruston Cultural District will be presenting live music on stage at Railroad Park.

There will be no charge for the event.

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Press release

The Louisiana Tech University student chapter of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) notched two first-place wins and a third-place finish at the 2021 Deep South Conference.

Tech’s team won first place in the Sustainable Solutions Competition and with the Mead Paper, and third place in the Environmental Competition of the virtual conference.

After the 2020 competition was canceled due to the spread of COVID-19 last spring, the team was determined to make the 2021 season a successful one. When students returned to campus in the Fall 2020 Quarter, the team began developing strategies to compete in the upcoming 2021 ASCE competitions while practicing social distancing.

“Every year our ASCE students really look forward to the Deep South Conference, so even with the virtual format, I know the students were happy to be back to competing,” said Elizabeth Matthews, faculty advisor and Assistant Professor of Civil Engineering and Construction Engineering Technology at Louisiana Tech. “I am extremely proud of the work the students put into preparing for the conference especially given the challenges of the last year. They continue to amaze me every year with what they accomplish.”

The team won first place in the Sustainable Solutions Competition by pitching a sustainable park designed with COVID safety measures in place. The team developed a plan in four weeks and submitted a technical summary, public outreach poster, and envision checklist documentation.

Rose Emery, Chemical Engineering junior, earned the team another first-place award for her Daniel W. Mead Prize for Students paper on the topic of responsibility of engineering in schools and the workplace during COVID.

“I was part of the group that went to nationals in 2019, and I wanted to create that opportunity again for our organization,” Emery said. “In order for our chapter to be invited, we need to have a minimum number of points spread across our regional ASCE competitions. Therefore, we need to compete in as many competitions as possible. So, when I saw that no one was really interested in the Mead paper, I decided this was a great way to support my org. I also really enjoy mental and moral challenges, which the Mead Paper, as a paper about ethics, was full of.”

The team won third place in the Environmental Competition for their solution to planning a hurricane evacuation as the cone of uncertainty updated during three phases: 36 hours before landfall, 18 hours before landfall, and landfall.

“This was a difficult year for organizations, and I’m proud that they were able to pull together to compete and win in so many categories,” said Louisiana Tech ASCE chair Katya Opel. “Although I couldn’t participate this year, I enjoyed watching the presentations and cheering the team on.”

“Participating in the conference was important to keep the team connected and working for a common goal,” team president Sydney Bratton added. “Like with many other things we had to adapt to an online platform for the conference, but one of the things Katya wanted to do was keep the camaraderie and team aspect alive as much as possible.

“Rather than all stay at our own houses/computers, we joined together on campus as a group and participated in the conference activities. We were able to cheer on and be there for our members presenting, work as a group at the different events, and just spend time together and grow closer as a group. With COVID being such a big factor this year, our teams had to adapt to the changes placed before us. A lot of different meetings had to be done online, and with in-person workdays, we had to make sure guidelines were met and that our participants stayed safe. I think our teams did a great job of tackling that challenge and we were able to see a lot of success this year.”

The Deep South Conference is held every year to foster networking among the student chapters and clubs within the states of Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Tennessee, and to further technical, professional, and ethical knowledge of civil engineering for participating students.

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NATCHITOCHES PARISH JOB VACANCY: Secretary

LOCATION: Central Office

QUALIFICATIONS: High School Diploma or equivalent, Associate or Bachelor’s Degree preferred, excellent communication skills, and proficiency in computer skills.

SALARY: According to Parish Salary Schedule

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT: 12 months

WHERE TO APPLY: Linda Page, Personnel Director

Natchitoches Parish School Board
P. O. Box 16
Natchitoches, LA 71458-0016
(318) 352-2358

DEADLINE: Monday, May 3, 2021; 4 p.m.

APPLICATIONS: Application packet should consist of a letter of application, resume’, official transcript, and two letters of reference.

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